Game of Thrones delivered a thrilling twist to Tyrion Lannister’s trial on Sunday, with a surprising ally stepping forward to help in his trial by combat.
Sunday’s episode brought fans a shocking development to the kangaroo court trial Tyrion had endured for the death of his nephew, the juvenile and wicked King Joffrey.
[WARNING: Game of Thrones spoilers ahead]
In the previous episode, Tyrion was put on trial for the murder of Joffrey. Though viewers — and most of those putting Tyrion on trial — know that he wasn’t responsible for the murder, Tyrion was in the unfortunate position of holding the poisoned goblet as Joffrey collapsed and choked to death.
The trial was slanted against Tyrion from the start, presided over by his father Tywin who openly hates his son and involving a number of witnesses to lie and slander Tyrion. After his brother Jaime made a deal to save Tyrion’s life —which involved Tyrion being sent to the Night’s Watch in exchange for Jaime becoming heir to House Lannister — it appeared his life would be saved.
But Tywin brought Shae, Tyrion’s former lover, to the stand to level more allegations, and Tyrion snapped, demanding trial by combat.
The episode was a tour de force for actor Peter Dinklage — many critics think he should earn an Emmy nomination based on his performance in “The Laws of Gods and Men” — and a masterful show of camera work .
In Sunday’s episode, “Mockingbird,” Tyrion and Jaime were seen arguing about Tyrion’s decision to have a trial by combat. Tyrion said he needed to put a stop to Shae’s lies and demanding combat was the only way he could think to do it.
Bronn was picked to serve as Tyrion’s champion in the duel, while Cersei chooses Ser Gregor, a big man with an even bigger sword.
When Bronn comes to visit Tyrion, however, he threw a hitch in the plans and rejected the proposal, saying he doesn’t want to risk his life for Tyrion.
But Game of Thrones delivered a twist for Tyrion Lanniser. He got a visit from Prince Oberyn, who said he came to King’s Landing to avenge his sister’s murder at the hands of the Lannisters, and he wanted to start with Ser Gregor. Oberyn offered to be Tyrion’s champion.
The Game of Thrones episode led to what will likely be an exciting fight between Prince Oberyn and Ser Gregor, and a chance for Tyrion Lannister to escape twisted justice for Joffrey’s death. But fans will have to wait to find out — Game of Thrones won’t have a new episode for two another weeks.